A new economic survey released by Lyft reports the local Orlando economy saw an extra $22.6 million in 2016 thanks to the availability of Lyft’s affordable, convenient rides – all despite Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s opposition to ride-sharing and alternative transportation options like Uber and Lyft. The new study, conducted by the Land Econ Group, also showed passengers in Orlando will save $8.9 million and over 296,000 travel hours this year alone because of Lyft. Imagine if local politicians actually embraced ride-sharing companies and other new technologies to solve local transportation issues, the gains could be even greater.

In Orlando, the study also found:

97% of Lyft drivers are employed or seeking employment, students, or retired, the highest of the 20 cities surveyed

53% of Lyft drivers have at least one child in their household, also the highest among the cities surveyed

47% of Lyft drivers have had a lasting, positive community connection (e.g. friendship or business contact)

89% of passengers are more likely to avoid drinking while intoxicated because of Lyft

50% of passengers use their personal vehicle less because of Lyft

“Based on survey results from tens of thousands of Lyft users, we found that Lyft creates a significant positive economic impact in each of the twenty metro regions we have studied,” said Bill Lee, Senior Partner at Land Econ Group. “Passengers have responded to the significant time savings and enhanced mobility Lyft provides by visiting local businesses more often, staying out longer, and exploring new areas of their city that are otherwise difficult to reach.”

The national survey examined over 20 Lyft markets across the country, including Orlando. In 2016, local economies will see over $750 million in additional spending due to the availability of Lyft. Access to Lyft also meant that passengers saved over $500 million and 26 million travel hours compared to alternative transportation modes.

“It’s exciting to see how Lyft is driving economic growth and encouraging local spending in Orlando,” said Jaime Raczka, Lyft’s General Manager of Early Stage Markets. “The benefits of Lyft are clear, and through this data, we can see the many social and economic benefits Lyft is providing for the people of Orlando and across the country.”

Additional information on Lyft’s 2017 Economic Impact Survey can be found here.

Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to reconnect people and communities through better transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing ride-share company in the U.S and is available in more than 200 cities.